Preschool

International Baccalaureate

What is the International Baccalaureate Program?

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is a non-profit foundation that offers “a transdisciplinary program of international education designed to foster the development of the whole child.” The IBO offers three programs: the Diploma Program, the Middle Years Program, and the Primary Years Program. Seneca Academy is fully authorized to provide the Primary Years Program (PYP) (ages 3-12). The PYP draws on research and best practice from a range of national systems to create relevant, engaging, challenging and significant education for all children.

What is “international education” and why is it important?

International education, as identified by IBO, is defined by several criteria. Some of those criteria include the following ideas.

Building and reinforcing students’ sense of identity and cultural awareness

Providing international content while responding to local requirements and understanding local and national history and culture

Encouraging diversity and flexibility in teaching methods

Stimulating curiosity and inquiry in order to foster a spirit of discovery and enjoyment of learning

Equipping students with the skills to learn and acquire knowledge, individuality or collaboratively, and to apply this knowledge accordingly across a broad range of areas

How is the IB/PYP program implemented at Seneca Academy?

Seneca Academy began the process of becoming an authorized IB/PYP World school in the winter of 2009 because the philosophy and methods are consistent with our fundamental beliefs regarding children and education. Throughout the process of applying for authorization, having our entire teaching faculty participate in IB training, creating a trans-disciplinary program of inquiry, integrating the program throughout our school, and finally hosting the IB visiting team in May of 2012 and receiving full authorization in September 2012, we have embraced the tenents and philosophies of the program.

The IB/PYP program provides a framework for Seneca Academy teachers to deliver our engaging, relevant, challenging and significant curriculum. We teach using the inquiry method, which allows students to engage in the learning process through hands-on and high-level thinking activities. Our Program of Inquiry outlines the 6-week units of study that each class investigates throughout the year. Through these units, our students acquire the knowledge, concepts, skills, and attitudes that allow them to successfully move forward cognitively, socially and emotionally. Click here to download the IB General Regulations: Primary Years Program.

Complete information about the IB and its programs can be found on their website www.ibo.org. For more information about how the IB/PYP program is being implemented at Seneca Academy, please call us at (301) 869-3728.